About Me

I'm a woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, an artist, a dreamer, a dancer, a sewist, a knitting wannabe, a coffee addict, white wine lover, a book lover, a chauffeur, a personal chef for a family of five, a sometimes diva, a joker, a little sarcastic, a little sensitive, a little wild, a little free...just a girl. Just me.
So what is this blog all about? It's about making a life for me and mine. It's a little sewy, knitty, cooky, decoraty way for me to share all my creative endeavors. All the attempts,the successes and the failures. Come along for the ride!

Thanks for stopping by

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I feel like a broken record, but I'm still doing some sewing on the Halloween costumes. Last week was busy busy and I didn't get quite as much done as I wanted. I also have to admit I was distracted by my efforts to learn about pattern drafting and fitting so I've been doing a ton of reading on the subject. I'm gearing up to make myself a fitted jacket/coat. I have decided to use this project to work out my aversion to making a muslin and taking the time to properly fit the stuff I sew for myself. I know that I'll need to make adjustments for a wide back, full arms and low bust (lol!). I am a tshirt and jeans kind of girl, but I do love beautiful clothes and want to make some for myself. I'm really excited to have a challenging project. I mean I sew for O., but there's no real challenge there, she doesn't have figure flaws to combat, lucky girl.

Monday, October 19, 2009

It's getting cold outside and that has me thinking about a good bowl of soup. My husband adores all things Italian so I thought I'd share this one with you all. Enjoy! Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve with a crusty Italian bread, delish!

In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Drain fat from pan, reserving 3 tablespoons. Cook garlic and onion in reserved fat for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, basil, and oregano. Transfer to a crock pot, and stir in sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, and parsley. Cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain water, and add pasta to the slow cooker. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes. Ladle into bowl and top with Parmesan cheese.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

As you might recall I have several vintage machines and because of that I have tons of machine attachments. I've never really tried to use them. Oh sure, I used the walking foot, zipper foot and the occasional blindhem foot, but never ventured much beyond those. Well, I happened to catch sight of a nifty little book the other day at JoAnn's called "The Sewing Machine Attachment Book" and using my 50% off coupon I purchased it. Not only was it quite informative, but also full of sewing machine trivia that I enjoyed learning about. I learned all about those mysterious feet I had in my sewing box and just how to get the most out of them. It's the secret of how sewist of the past could turn out incredible items with out the aid of modern gadgets such as sergers. I've discovered I lurve the hemmer feet. It's too cool. It makes the tiniest hem without ironing or anything. Perfection. My success using it has inspired me to break open that box and check out some of those other feet too. I'm off to experiment more. Since I have some holiday sewing planned I can see using the ruffler or pleater in my future. Fun times!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Continuing on the Halloween sewing. It's a perfect day to be at the machine too since the weather is rainy and gloomy. I've finished the Cinderella costume for which I was pronounced "the best mom ever!" I'll get a picture posted as soon as the weather brightens up. I've started working on E.'s costume. It will be pretty quick and then I need to make something for M. I'll finish this stuff up in the next week and then start planning for the Holiday sewing. I still have a few gifts to sew up and I'd like to do an outfit for the kids to take the picture for our family Christmas card.

Monday, October 12, 2009

So, not much of a meal today, but recipes nonetheless. I try whenever possible to use the least amount of toxic chemicals in my home. I'm also frugal and you can make your own cleaners for pennies so that's a big plus in my book too. I have collected a few basic recipes through the years that have served my needs well. The Internet is a wonderful resource to find great cleaner recipes. Search under words like nontoxic or green cleaning to get tons of information.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

So today I'm feeling crafty. I'm working on finishing O's Halloween costume (I just have to put in the zipper and hem the dress) and also making a hip Halloween inspired outfit for her to wear the week of Halloween to school. I'll start on E's costume which shouldn't take much time since it's basically the top and hat only. M. still hasn't decided what he wants to be though, so I need to do some brainstorming. I'm also hard at work on the prize from my next giveaway. This time I decided to do something that has a little bling. I hope you'll like it as much as I do. Stay tuned, I hope to have a picture posted by Friday.